Russia Condemns ‘Ogre’ Remark Against Putin, Accuses Macron Of Crossing Line Of Decency

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 06:09 IST

Tensions between France and Russia have remained high since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Macron has been among the most vocal European leaders in condemning Putin’s actions (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron’s scathing remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin last week have sparked backlash from Moscow, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry calling the comments “vulgar insults." Macron made the remarks during an interview with French broadcaster LCI, warning European leaders against placing their trust in Putin.

“For his own survival, he needs to keep eating… That means he is a predator, an ogre at our gates," Macron said, characterising the Russian leader in strikingly aggressive terms. The French President’s comments came a week after a multilateral meeting at the White House on August 18, attended by European heads of state, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Kremlin did not remain silent. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova strongly condemned Macron’s language. “This is unworthy of a head of state," Zakharova said. “The comments cross the line of not just reasonableness, but decency, becoming vulgar insults against Russia and its people," she added, in reference to Macron’s use of terms like “predator" and “ogre."

Tensions between France and Russia have remained high since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Paris has emerged as one of Kyiv’s strongest allies, offering both military assistance and financial support. Macron, in particular, has been among the most vocal European leaders in condemning Putin’s actions and questioning his intentions.

In a separate statement made on Friday, Macron reiterated his position regarding the timeline promised by Putin for a possible meeting with Zelenskyy. He emphasised that the deadline, set for Monday, is fast approaching. “If that doesn’t happen by Monday… it means that once again President Putin played President Trump," Macron said.

The French president has consistently advocated that providing Ukraine with firm security guarantees is the only pathway to achieving a just and lasting peace, underscoring his continued commitment to supporting Kyiv in the ongoing conflict.

Moscow, Russia

News world Russia Condemns ‘Ogre’ Remark Against Putin, Accuses Macron Of Crossing Line Of Decency

Read More